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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Durst from Reedsburg, WI is requesting reading nooks, desks & storage through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Durst is requesting

Lights, Cushions, Literacy!

Help me give my students a calming classroom environment through alternative lighting and seat cushions.

  • $576 goal

This project expired on July 10, 2025.

This project expired on July 10, 2025.

My Project

My students inspire me daily with their resilience and determination. They naturally support one another, celebrating each other's successes and helping peers who struggle. When our classroom environment supports their needs, their natural curiosity blossoms.

I've noticed how even small environmental changes can significantly impact their ability to focus and engage with learning materials.

This lighting project aims to:

1. Create a calming, welcoming classroom atmosphere that reduces stress and anxiety.

2. Provide alternatives to harsh overhead fluorescent lighting that can trigger headaches and reduce focus.

3. Establish different lighting zones for various learning activities and student needs.

4. Teach students to recognize and advocate for their optimal learning conditions.

Having varied lighting options throughout the classroom acknowledges that children process sensory information differently. Some students are sensitive to the harsh fluorescent overhead lighting, reporting headaches and difficulty concentrating. These alternative lighting sources will allow all students to find optimal learning conditions, reducing distractions and increasing engagement. Additionally, the seat cushions will provide an additional layer of comfort; while the corner nets will be a place for the cushions to be stored.

By reducing sensory stressors through thoughtful lighting, we can create a classroom where every child feels comfortable and ready to learn. The difference in student focus and emotional regulation when working in appropriately lit spaces is remarkable, and these resources will help us extend that benefit throughout our learning day.

Ms. Durst Webb Middle School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Reedsburg, WI View local requests

More than a third of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

180 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Durst is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Rattan Floor Lamps for Living Room, Boho Standing Lamps with Rattan& Linen Double Shades, Arc Lamps Floor Standing with 9W Bulb, Foot Switch, Bohemian Floor Lamps for Bedroom, Office-Drum • Amazon Business $59.99 2 $119.98
All the Rages Simple Designs LT2003-PNK Texturized Table Lamp, Pink • Quill.com $28.99 3 $86.97
Tinideya 24 Pcs Round Floor Cushions Floor Pillows Meditation Seat Pillows Flexible Seating for Adults Kids 12 Colors Chair Cushions for Classroom, Nursery, Living Room, Yoga(Multi Color,15.7 Inch) • Amazon Business $72.99 1 $72.99
suddus 300 Led Christmas Lights Outdoor, 99ft Christmas Tree Lights Connectable, Warm White Christmas Lights Indoor for Xmas Holiday Yard Party Porch Holiday Lights Decor • Amazon Business $28.99 2 $57.98
Flat Extension Cord 8ft for Indoor Use by Bindmaster- UL-Listed 3-Prong Power Cord- Space-Saving Flat Angled Extension Cord- Grounded Outlet Extension Wire- Black 3 Pack • Amazon Business $24.99 2 $49.98
GHome Smart Mini Plug, Wi-Fi Outlet Socket Compatible with Alexa and Google Home, Remote Control with Timer Function, No Hub Required, ETL FCC Listed (1 Pack), White • Amazon Business $7.99 4 $31.96
TROND Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports, 5ft Flat Plug Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets, 1440J, Wall Mount for Home Office Dorm Room Essentials, Black • Amazon Business $16.50 1 $16.50
Lilly's Love Stuffed Animal Hammock | Corner Hanging Organizer, Stuffed Animal Storage | Easy to Hang Plushie Net w/Included Anchors & Hooks | Cute Room & Bedroom Decor (Coral, 2 Pack) • Amazon Business $15.99 1 $15.99

Materials cost

$452.35

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.79

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$489.14

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$86.32

Total project goal

$575.46

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Durst and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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